From setback to success: 8 productive ways to stay afloat during the layoff period
This is a contribution post by Pinki Bakshi
Like summers and winters, I started believing that there is a layoff season too. Macroeconomic factors, market changes, and company restructuring have forced many big giants as well as small ventures to cut the flab. Some experts reason over-hiring in 2021 to be the reason for the current layoff and advise cautious hiring. Getting laid off without any reason can be demotivating. However, the key is to plan the days in a productive way so that the desperation of getting a job doesn’t make one insane. So how can you keep yourself motivated and charged up? Let’s check out.
Acknowledge your current emotions and prioritize self-care
You are not a carbonated drink so don’t bottle up your emotions, face them bravely.
Facing job loss may trigger negative emotions such as anger, frustration, and disappointment. It is crucial to confront the feelings bravely and embrace them. This will help in the gradual healing of your emotional state and you will be able to overcome the situation sooner than expected.
Additionally, dedicate time to self-care activities that promote your physical and mental well-being. Prioritize “me time” and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. You are about to embark on a new journey of finding yet another job and you clearly don’t know how long will it take to reach your destination so you need to be physically, mentally, and emotionally strong.
It is time to take up those self-pampering activities that were being procrastinated due to a lack of time and energy. Listen to music, play any instrument, go for a run, follow some aromatic bathing rituals, or simply sway the day reading and writing or whatever uplifts your mood and makes you joyous.
Whether it’s indulging in hobbies, exercising, or practicing mindfulness, taking care of yourself is the first step towards building resilience.
Upskill yourself and stay updated
Now is the best time to sharpen your sword!
Consider the period of transition as an opportunity to invest in personal and professional growth. Explore workshops or courses that align with your interest and career goals to upgrade your knowledge and polish your skills. The Internet is flooded with so many amazing paid and free certificate courses. Go for them! These certifications will highlight your profile to employers.
Needless to say, these certifications demonstrate your commitment to self-improvement and will help you get a better opportunity with improved compensation.
It is time to do your homework
An impressive profile leaves a long-lasting impression on employers.
So, it is time to update your socials and your resume. Your social handles and CV speak everything about you professionally, so make sure to put your best foot forward. After all, this is the age of selling yourself digitally!!!!
Another effective way is to create a list of target companies or organizations you aspire to work for and maintain an organized spreadsheet that includes essential details such as job titles, descriptions, and application statuses. This proactive approach will help you remain prepared and avoid confusion during interviews. In the meantime, look for any suitable freelancing or internship programs. Don’t limit yourself, explore all arenas, and reinvent your professional journey!
Don’t forget to socialize
While it may be tempting to isolate yourself during this challenging period, remember to maintain a healthy social life.
Go out, meet friends, and cherish the break because it is temporary before you again start the hustle life. Appreciate the break and breathe.
Also don’t forget to expand your professional network. Reach out to former employees and colleagues, mentors, and industry connections. You never know, who is a blessing in disguise. Even if you get no references, it is a good idea to chill with some old folks.
Set goals and create a plan
Avoid idling away your days. Make a strategy. After all no war has been won without a strategy!
Set long-term and short-term goals. Accomplishing actionable tasks to achieve short-term goals can be really motivating. Create a roadmap for achieving your desired goal and track the progress.
Seek help and guidance if required
There is no shame in seeking help. If the going gets tough, seek assistance for the tough to get going.
Reach out to professional advisors, career counselors, or even a friend or family member. Share your feelings with someone you feel connected or comfortable with. Sometimes, we don’t need advice, just a pair of patient ears does the magic.
Start journaling
No, you don’t need to be an ace writer to write a journal. A little willingness will just do!
Journaling helps in developing a positive outlook towards life and acknowledging the little good things that happen to us daily which we otherwise fail to notice. It fills us with gratitude and peace and also helps in prioritizing our tasks and emotions. Begin your journaling journey and witness the transformative power it holds.
Stay positive and persevere
Always remember, layoffs are not personal and do not reflect the performance or worth of an employee at all.
These happen due to some uncontrollable factors. But we can always take care of the controllable factors- like staying persistent. Stay motivated and work harder to bag a better opportunity and a better company where you can thrive. Layoffs can pave the path to a better tomorrow.
The layoff phase is undoubtedly daunting and challenging. Keeping oneself motivated and productive is the key to sailing through the difficult period and coming out triumphant.
Pinki Bakshi, a spiritual and free-willed writer, has a keen eye and a curious mind. She combines her love for academics with her passion for creative writing. She explores her realms of imagination through her blog ‘Cerebration.’ She invites readers to delve into the magic within mundane moments, stimulating body, mind, and soul.
Connect with her on Instagram here.
